Isaac hodgson



MPETms. PHOTOUYHOGRAPHER, WASHINGTON. D. C4

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIcE.

ISAAC HODGSON, OF INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

ROLLER-SKATE.

Specification formingpart ot Letters Patent No. 88,711, dated April 6, 1869.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that I, ISAAC HODGrsoN, of Indianapolis, in the county of Marion and State of Indiana, have invented a new and useful Parlor-Velocipede; and I do hereby declare that the -following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, that will enable skilled artisans to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, making a part of this specification.

This invention relates principally to mode of operation of the forward wheel-trame; and it consists in the peculiar construction and manner of attaching thcwheel-frameto the sole of the shoe, by which the operator is enabled at pleasure to run in a direct course, or, by the natural horizontal motion of the foot to the right or left, to change the course to a curved track without canting, rocking, or tipping'the foot or sole to which the wheel-frame is attached, combined with the arrangement of a spring, which returns the wheel-frame to a direct line when the pressure upon the wheels is removed by raising the foot.

This invention further relates to construction and manner of attaching a padded shoe to the sole, by which the ordinary walking-shoe may be dispensed with, and the comfort of the wearer greatly enhanced.

Figure 1 is a profile of my invention. Fig. 2 is an inverted view, showing the mode of attaching the wheel-frame, spring, &c., to the sole. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical section, showing the pad, &c. Fig. 4 is an inverted View of the front wheels, spring, &c., showing their alternating direction.

Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in the several 1i gures. g

A represents the sole of the shoe; and B the front wheel-frame, with arm extendingforward and pivoted to the plate C, which is securely attached to the sole. Directly over the axis of the Wheels D the friction-rollers E, which are connected with the wheel-frame B,

are set in lines radiating from the pivot F, over the friction-rollers E.

A segmental way, H, is secured to the sole A, so that when the weight of the body is thrown on the rear wheels, Gr, and the toes turned horizontally to the right or left, the

wheel-frame B will turn on the pivot F, as indicated by red lines in Fig. 4, and enable the operator to freely move the foot on the friction-rollers E, and describe any desired curve with thevfoot in a horizontal position.

Stops I are secured to the .sole A, to limit the sweep of the wheel-frame B. The spring J, which is attached to the sole at K and extends to the wheel-frame B, where it freely enters a slit in the frame between the wheels D, is of sufficient strength and elasticity to force the wheel -frame B from the position shown by red lines in Fig. et to a direct line, as shown in Fig. 2.

The rear wheel-frame, L, is secured to the sole A, so that the wheels G will always be in a direct line; the pad M of the Shoe to be of elastic material, of any desired thickness and elasticity to accommodate the foot.

The shoe may be of leather or canvas, lined with flannel, and securely attached to the edges of the sole, and provided with straps and buckles, for convenient and secure fastening.

I claiml. The wheel-frame B, provided with the forward-projecting arm, and furnished with the friction-rollers E, interposed between the frame and the sole, and attached by the arm to the forward part or toe of the sole, in the manner and for the purpose substantially as set forth.

2. The spring J, in combination with the wheel-frame B, constructed and arranged substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

ISAAC HODGSON.

WVitnesses:

JOHN POLLITT, Jr., LEON BEAVER. 

